Friend of Russell Adkins reacts to 'Dateline' special about his conviction

by Kristi Leigh

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NBC 24 —

Dateline aired a 2-hour special featuring a Wood County woman's journey to find out what happened to her mother in 1982 on Friday night.

Dana Rosendale was found dead on the side of a Northwood road in 1982. Her daughter, Brittany, was only 8 months old at the time of her death. After no convictions in more than 30 years, Brittany Stork pushed to have the case re-opened.

Ultimately, Whitehouse resident, Russell Adkins was convicted of killing Rosendale. He was sentenced to life in prison with elligibilty for parole after 15 years.

But those who know Adkins best still aren't convinced he is guilty. Lindsay Labiak of Maumee said she used to live with Russell Adkins when he dated her mother. She said she can't imagine him being capable of hurting anyone.